FREE THEATRE TRAINING – The Grace Theatre Workshop will hold registration for its professional theatre training program for children ages 8 and up from Monday through Friday, Sept. 24 to 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave. in Union City. They offer unlimited free classes in Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, Tap/Rhythm, Singing, and Acting. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to register with a $30 fee. Open to all residents of Hudson County. Adult classes in Salsa are also offered at no cost. For information, log on to www.GraceTheatre.com.

To help disaster relief efforts, the North Hudson Community Action Foundation is sponsoring a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Hijos y Amigos de Fomento located at 522 38th St., Union City.

“Our agency not only responds to the needs of the people who live in our service area, but we also try to pitch in and help out anyone who is in need and that is why we are holding this fundraising event,” said Christopher Irizarry, President and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp.

A percentage of the proceeds will go the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, which supports UNICEF’s humanitarian relief work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Donations start at $20 and up, with complimentary appetizers, cash bar and raffle prizes.

The West New York Cuban Lions Club will hold its Annual Golf Championship on Oct. 15. There will be gifts, prizes, raffles, lunch, barbecue, soft drinks, and golf carts, as well as a dinner with an open bar.

They are seeking players and volunteers, and ask that those interested contact any member of the club or call Manny Reyes at (210) 424-1201.

The cost is $225 per player and everything included. Dinner only is $75.

Donations are also welcome. Proceeds from this event are to be donated to blind children.

SARTONK sponsors writing contest

Union City’s SARTONK has launched the inaugural Ali-King Award for Writing in Boxing. Co-sponsored by the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, New Jersey Association of USA Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, and Global Boxing Gym, this year’s contest is geared toward boxers and boxing enthusiasts between the ages of 17 and 22, who live in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

“The contest’s intention is to promote literacy and inspire youth to think about our sport’s social and historical significance,” explains Hasmig Tatiossian, SARTONK’s Director of Community Affairs. Regarding their influential list of sponsors, she intimates, “As the creator of championship belts, we’re in the position to draw the support of key entities in boxing – internationally and locally. Imagine the enthusiasm of the winners when their certificates bear the distinct logos of such sponsors. The result, we feel, is truly empowering.”

Participants are asked to choose one of four essay topics ranging from autobiographical analyses of boxing to the role of women in boxing, or the historical impact of leaders like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr.

“We set out to honor Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their positive social contributions. We feel that awarding an ‘Ali-King Award’ to boxing youth would be an appropriate way of doing this while also inspiring these young minds,” commented Edward S. Majian, President of Sartonk Designs.

Winners will be presented with their awards, including an original SARTONK design, at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in November, where they will be able to address an audience studded with local stars.

More information about the contest, including submission guidelines, deadlines, awards, and ways for you to help support it can be found on www.sartonk.com/ali-king. Questions can be sent to hasmig@sartonk.com.

UC farmer’s market to run every Sunday

Every Sunday until Nov. 11 there will be a farmer’s market at Troy Towers located at 380 Mountain Road in the north parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The market is certified by the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities and supplied by Iona Hill Farms.

UC to hold film festival; entries wanted

Union City will host the fifth Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival in October 2012.

This year’s five-day festival will include three days of screening feature films, an evening of screening the finalists of the short film competing category, and a red carpet awards ceremony.

Submissions are wanted accepted in all categories. No pornography is allowed. Foreign language films will be accepted. Films should be no longer than 15 minutes in length.

Those interested may submit their film in DVD format, along with a cover letter, synopsis, film credits, awards (if any), and contact information to:

Commissioner Lucio P. Fernandez

Department of Public Affairs

3715 Palisade Ave.

Union City, NJ 07087

Attn: Film Entry

Write on the DVD cover the contact name, email, and genre.

Please include in the cover letter that the entry is being submitted by the property owner or licensee, and that the City of Union City has the right to publicly screen the film as part of the NoHu International Film Festival. Indicate whether the film is a “World Premiere,” “USA Premier,” “New Jersey Premiere,” or “Union City Premiere.”

Please note, DVDs will not be returned.

Entry deadline is Monday, Oct. 1 (no exceptions). There is no submission fee. This is a juried festival. All entries will be considered. Finalists will be notified via e-mail.

The Awards presentation for the Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. at the William Musto Cultural Center located at 420 15th St. Admission is free.

UC to hold 35th anniversary concert of ‘La Charanga’

Union City will host a concert celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Latin band “La Charanga 76” on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Union City Performing Arts Center located at 2500 Kennedy Blvd.

“La Charanga 76” was formed in Union City and made its debut at Liberty Park on July 4, 1976, hired by El Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Simultaneously in 1976, “La Charanga 76” released its first LP which featured its run-away hit “Soy” (a ballad by Willy Chirino). Currently, “La Charanga 76” is still going strong and maintains its national and international popularity. The band performs as a special attraction in major concerts and events.

“La Charanga 76” concert is part of Union City’s Hispanic Heritage month celebrations. This will be a special concert celebrating the many accomplishments of one of Union City’s most successful musical institutions. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Admission is free and parking is available at 23rd Street Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit and Kerrigan avenues.